You can if you want to but you don't need to. If you want to install your own shower, whether it is tiled or a shower pan, you will need a cement shower base. Most installers recommend putting a bed of mortar down for the shower base to sit on. The type of bonding mortar used to apply KERDI must be suitable for the substrate and must penetrate and engage the membrane fleece. I'm just worried that the flexing should have been stopped by putting a cement bed under the tray. I would hardly think that there is much possibility of it ever seeing much water beneath a tub or shower pan. You'll set and level the shower pan using shims right on the floor, or on a bed of cement mortar. Or re-building an old shower? Does the durock go under the fiberglass shower pan or over the plywood? This will discourage moisture … A unnoticed leak can cause serious structural damage to your home and encourage mold growth in the walls. It is under the hood accessory which is a critical component of the entire bathroom system. Very small room. The concrete board walls are designed to be the substrate to which you bond tiles with mortar, the waterproofing membrane (often tar paper) needs to be under the concrete board walls and overlapping the vinyl pan at the bottom, so moisture that might penetrate flows down the waterproofing membrane into/onto the shower pan, then flow to the drain weep holes. This unique mix creates a supportive water-resistant barrier for your shower. Secondly, do you need mortar under shower base? Ideally you would need to cut single, large pieces and screw them into the running boards or concrete slab. To keep the number of drain adjustments to a minimum, try to match the new shower base to the current drain location. If I do use the durock the shower will be higher and the pipe will need to be replaced to make it higher, right? KERDI is bonded to the mortar bed or tray and the surface of the KERDI-DRAIN’s integrated bonding flange. The key to a successful installation lies in the use of a chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) or PVC membrane, tough but flexible plastics that form the pan of the enclosure and make the floor waterproof. Then you've got to do it the old-fashioned way - with mud. Do you suppose the Aquatic … Using spray foam under a shower pan: ... Do You Even Need To Worry About Your Shower Pan Flexing? Before installing the final layer of mortar on the shower pan you will need to install expanded wire mesh on the shower curb, over the PVC pan liner. Do you recommend against using the cement board? This can be a difficult thing to do after the pan is already installed. ... Weak mix sand and cement should cover all base of shower tray,even dots of mix will invalidate the warrenty,these are prone to cracking if not fixed properly. It is … Lots of mud! When installing KERDI with unmodified thin-set mortar over particularly dry and porous … Dry-Fit the Shower Base Set the shower base into place to gauge what changes may need to be made to the drain. Even if it feels dry to the … on walls, creating a fully waterproof and vapor … Some have ribs that set directly on the floor and those do not need any additional support. After curing, the pan did not adhere to the mortar & I can lift it up. mully123, Jan 13, 2009 #7. I put a puddle under each foot and press the shower pan in place. Lower the pan into place and check for level. The mortar is for support under the base. Then, gently place the shower drain strainer into the shower pan. Shower pans are the area of a shower under the vinyl or tile that redirects stray water into the drain, meaning it is vital in building a shower. Do I need mortar under shower pan? Read, more on it here. Thank you for reaching out to DreamLine. Of course that doesn't mean it's correct. Floors may require additional support under a mud-set shower pan, especially upper floors. Scrumpet, Jan 13, 2009 #3. After dry-fitting the shower into alcove, I want to set the unit in a bed of mortar (not structolite). Shower bases can be ordered in many different sizes, with drains in different locations to match different circumstances. If you are so inclined, you can make a concrete shower pan yourself. Do I Need a Mortar Under Shower Pan? If any additional support is needed, you can probably accomplish the same end result by sliding a couple of … After three years, the mold started appearing. Shower Pan Man. Unlike shower pan liners in traditional assemblies, KERDI is a bonded waterproofing membrane that allows for the direct application of tile with thin-set mortar. For example, if you are … Dry-Fit the Shower Base Set the shower base into place to gauge what changes may need to be made to the drain. This will be on 3/4" plywood subfloor (which I'll reinforce). When replacing a shower pan, some shower pan manufacturers call for the shower pan to sit directly in an adhesive or into small mounds of mortar. Check it with a level. The best DIY mix for a shower pan is a combination of a basic mortar mix with sand and Portland cement added in. Which mortar product (by exact name and amount please, if possible) should I use that is readily obtainable from a Big Box Store? A mortared shower pan allows you to custom-fit a shower enclosure. If reinforcing wire or rods are not used, the mortar can crack. Last edited by … If you are looking for a good mortar for shower pan installation, it’s often best to go with the recommended mortar as explained by your shower pan’s manufacturer. I have access to both sides of shower, but not back wall. GKU New Member Scrumpet , take heed bud - Do what the … Any shower base that is not cast iron should be in my opinion set into a mortar base. Smaller tiles work best to conform to the slope. Part of waterproofing the shower floor involves installation of a shower pan. Whether it was to flatten a floor or to pitch a shower pan, it seemed to be very complicated – the way you had to mix the mortar, forming the screeds, pulling the mortar, and ensuring a consistent pitch and perfectly flat substrate. New construction showers typically have a pre-fab fiberglass base. How do you pour a mortar bed for a bathtub? mortar It depends on the shower unit. If you are installing tile, the mortar bed should be 2-3 inches thick on the outer edge and slightly less at the drain. Make sure that you use plastic shims to avoid the possibility of wood rot. Of course, there are inadequate factory-made fiberglas shower pans (and faulty shower pan installations) just as there are poor site-made tiled shower floors. They are designed for this. If additional shimming is required, lift pan and place shimming material where required. At least not of sufficient amount to cause it to disintegrate. In lieu of a recommended mortar, it is possible to use Quikrete’s Floor Mud as a substitute and still get great results. In 30 years I have never seen a plumber use portlandt based sand mix. It’s important to get this … A flexing shower pan resting directly on the floor without a mortar bed may need to be more adequately supported along the length of the support ribs below it. If it is like the ones I have seen in the past, it will have some feet on it, maybe 6 of them. Make sure that about 1/8” space exists between the shower pan flange and the studs. Take measurements from the back wall and sidewalls, then write them down so you can line the drain up. Take measurements from the back wall and sidewalls, then write them down so you can line the drain up. Mortar mixes for shower pans are blended with Portland cement, which is water-resistant when it hardens, and sand. While ripping everything out, I found that the "pro" did just about everything possible … People also ask, do you need mortar under shower base? The durock website says to put durock on the floor, nothing about not using it under the shower. If you are using a preformed shower pan, the manufacturer of the pan should provide instructions as to how thick the mortar bed needs to be. What exactly Is a Shower Pan Liner. Bases can be lifted up once the mortar has cured, should … Was the mortar for support, not to adhere to floor? The cement shower base provides a stable, solid, and water resistant barrier between the shower and your wood flooring. All you need to do is add water to mix it. Many types of cements are available today for your shower base, choosing the right one will make you installation a success. Over the membrane, a mortar bed floor supports the tile. Whether you're planning on adding a shower, replacing a bathtub with a shower, or just fixing up an existing shower, you'll need a new shower pan. In all honesty, this is often less of an issue than people make it out to be. Entire bathroom is only 6' x 7'. Our master bath shower was re-built by a "pro". Most installers recommend putting a bed of mortar down for the shower base to sit on.. One may also ask, … Also, I cannot imagine that tile would … I really need to put something underneath the shower pan because the previous plywood has a bunch of gouges and partially rotted areas. Long story short, I learned that with proper knowledge and patience it’s a great technique to add to your arsenal, and it is actually somewhat fun. Maybe it's time to do a little research. If mounds of mortar are called for, mark the locations on the subfloor per the manufacturer’s instructions. One of the reasons why most of us are not even aware of something called a Shower Pan Liner is because we never get to see them in any professional and complete shower or bathroom set up. Cracked cement can tear the waterproof membrane underneath, which allows water to seep into the floor or walls. As for the wall board, I would use denshield or the durock as you suggested. When you install a shower pan on the shower floor, you mount it directly to the wall framing, which is a series of 2-by-4 boards. [Archive] Packing Mortar under Acrylic Shower Base Tile Forum/Advice Board Ceramic Tile Advice Forums - John Bridge Ceramic Tile ... You don't need to pack the threshold area. What type of mortar is used for leveling/setting the … (If anything, it would be the opposite). Ensure the tray is level, and ensure that you mark the studs on the upper edge of the tile flange. ), Schluter SET™, ALL-SET™, FAST-SET™ or an unmodified thin-set mortar is recommended. Make it fit snug and only put staples on the bathroom side, OUTSIDE, of the curb, (so you don't make holes in … I simply do not understand how a tiled shower floor is advantageous in the preventation of mold as opposed to monolithic shower pans. While not a necessity, professionals recommend that you lay down a mortar base prior to installing your shower pan. Cement floor shower drain. Every plumber around here uses it. With out the mortar the pans feel cheap and flex under the average weight of a North American user. Is this okay? That masonry mix should be fine. There is no flexing of the pan when I step on it and it feels very firm. If I "can pack the threshold area" then it sounds to me like the Americh base is just like all the hollow-bottomed Lasco shower bases I've seen at HD/Lowes. Portland cement is the most common cement used … For all the substrates listed in this Handbook (e.g., gypsum board, cement backerboard, etc. Fig. But what if you're building an odd-sized shower? I can easily put a 32x32 1/4 inch piece of plywood there too which has the side benefit of making the floor 7/8 instead of the existing 5/8 and also why for the floor I plan on using 1/2 inch cement board … The wire mesh will cover the entire curb from the inside of the shower pan at the top of the mortar floor over the top of the curb and down to the bathroom floor. To install the subfloor, whether it is the primary or secondary layer, you will need to accurately measure the length and width of your built up shower pan, also taking into consideration any non-square corners. In addition, KERDI is installed over the solid backing (e.g., gypsum board, cement backerboard, etc.) Others have the floor of the unit an inch above the slab and these have to have a filler under them. Most shower pans are perfectly capable of withstanding the weight of a person standing in them. The rule of thumb is to measure the distance from the shower drain to the surrounding shower walls and corners, including the nearest high point on the shower curb, and for each foot, you will need to have a 1/4 inch negative slope. Also, please comment on my plan of attack. As is true when buying a bathtub, you’ll need to make sure that you buy a shower base that will fit your space and work with the existing drain line. Quikrete is a great brand that offers high-quality mortars, and that includes … This thick-bed installation relies on a troweled … 9 Step #5 – DRY FIT THE SHOWER PAN: Lower the shower pan into place. Installed shower pan with mortar. With the level, confirm that the pan is sitting flat on the floor as shown. I have read in a couple of books and a few videos on the internet where they just put it over plywood. Question is: Do I use mortar between the plywood and the cement board or do I attach the cement board directly to the plywood and use mortar on top for leveling? I hit a couple of plumbing forums and there … Whether your shower is tiled or a fiberglass prefabricated shower stall, you will need the proper waterproofing underneath the floor and behind the walls to ensure the longevity of the unit. Place another layer … Since so many do not recommend this find one that does. It is recommended. Because the shower pan is screwed to the framing, there is no wall behind or below the base. I don't know how the shower pan is. If needed, cut any finishing pieces to size in order to complete the subfloor installation. This will keep it steadier and sturdier as well as make sure any unwanted adjustments are nearly impossible. In order to avoid hollow spaces under the shower drain, make sure that enough material used and it connects to the upper edge of the shower drain’s flange. Dry-Fit the Shower Base Set the shower base into place to gauge what changes may need to be made to the drain. It is something that goes below the tiles and the mortar that forms the floor of the … It may be possible to access the bottom of the shower pan from a room below the shower. When people think about home remodeling, they often focus on the need … If adhesive is called for, spread it within the area where the shower pan will sit. Molded Stone Shower Base. Beside this, what type of mortar do you use for a shower pan? You will need to check with your state and local building codes to determine the exact requirements for constructing a pre-slope in your shower pan. Asked by: Mark8522. I'm thinking about installing 1/2" cement board under the shower pan (and surrounding area to provide for a smooth tiling surface). Take measurements from the back wall and … Heavier people can actually flex the pan to the point where it can leak at the drain connection.